2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Price, Review

Price

Trim Name, MSRP and Invoice 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Trim Name	MSRP	Invoice
Base 4X4	$38,540	$35,457
Limited 4X4	$44,195	$40,439

2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes as a leader in its class in terms of fuel efficiency and lower emissions, Highlander Hybrid menawarkanpower, relief of interior space and efficiency is much better than its predecessor. Deeply felt driven SUV Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, quieter, larger and more intelligent with sigfinikan improvements in terms of usability and driving comfort. 2008 Highlander Hybrid has a safety feature one of the most complete in its class.

Based on the completeness there are two options, namely the Base and Limited, both are powered 3.3-liter V6 engine with four-wheel drive system as the mouth of an intelligent power flow 270 hp. Also introduced a number of new technological innovations such as an EV Mode, ECON Mode and Hybrid System Indicator assist the driver all of which make optimum use of every drop of fuel bought.

With the EV Mode, mid-size SUV can operate only with electric power only, at low speeds and short distances or conditioned stop-and-go. ECON Mode activates a throttle control program makes the throttle response becomes softer, preventing excessive acceleration. Toyota is helping customers to optimize its fuel through a visual guide of the Hybrid System Indicator.

Exterior

After a cursory glance at the Highlander’s bulbous proportions, I can confidently say that no one buys a Highlander for its body. Then again, by way of the Toyota logo up front, I suppose you already knew that. Effaced by a mishmash of chrome and glass, the stubby bonnet morphs an ungainly, rear-heavy body with sashless side windows. It’s not ugly, just more generic than a combover haircut. Roof rails are standard; a power liftgate is optional on the Base and standard on the Limited.

Interior

When beholding the beauty of the Highlander, we must distinguish between architecture and facade. As the structure of the interior, the architecture is superb, comprised of an attractive two-tiered dash design, deep-set instrument cluster, and pleasant control panel. The facade, consisting of the hue and texture, is noticeably less striking. The colors clash, and the Limited’s wood trim looks more out of place than a Michigan fan at an Ohio State tailgate party.

Packin’ a Powertrain

Judging by the Highlander Hybrid’s powertrain, Toyota is as sick and tired as we are of underpowered, emaciated hybrids meekly slugging along the streets. The 2012 tree-hugging Hybrid uses a 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 engine and a few electric motors to pump out a net total of 280 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, with the engine itself achieving 215 lb-ft of twist at 4,800 rpm. Coupled to a cotton candy-smooth CVT, the powertrain gets a whopping 28/28 mpg EPA rating. Not a single three-row affordable midsize crossover SUV can match those numbers. The Lexus RX 450h is more fuel-efficient, but costs roughly $7,000 more. However, it will take several years to recuperate costs over the regular Highlander.

Driveline Performance

Simply put, the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is designed for people who do not drive for fun. To those unfortunate souls, communicative steering translates to unnecessary vibrations, and flat cornering means bumpy freeway riding. As such, the midsize crossover offers none of the enthusiast’s gimmicks, such as firm steering or flat cornering. The ride is smooth and comfortable, but not so loosely sprung that it becomes disconnected. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive, which routes power to rear wheels when the front ones find themselves floundering, the Highlander Hybrid is prepared for inclement weather but not the trails. Handling may be unexciting, but acceleration is excellent for the hybrid and decent for the class, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in the mid-seven seconds. Torque is available in prodigious amounts at low rpms, typical of a hybrid/CVT powertrain.

Safety Information

In NHTSA crash tests, the Highlander won a prestigious collection of four- and five-star rankings, including four stars for rollover protection. Historically, the Highlander has scored well in IIHS crash tests. Standard safety features are many, designed for both parent and child. They include automatic headlamps, foglamps, and a rearview camera.

Ergonomics & Comfort

Simply put, the Highlander is a stereotypical midsize crossover. It has two comfortable rows and a third row fit for kids and people you don’t like. It has a respectable 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space, but only 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Interior storage is superb, but the load floor isn’t quite flat. It’s comfortable but not luxurious, spacious but not cavernous.

Feature Highlights

The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in two trims: Base and Limited.

Besides the expected creature comfort necessities, the base trim has basic electronics like Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio and a UBS/iPod interface. In other words, on a lux-o-meter, the base Highlander Hybrid ranks somewhere below a 20k Ford Fiesta.

Technophiliacs should look to the Limited ($43,795) trim. Luxury arrives via leather upholstery and trim pieces, 8-way power-adjustable heated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. You also get a sunroof, an autodimming rearview mirror, and jumbs of other useful features.